Embracing Joy and Beauty Through the Sabbath
Summary
### Summary
Today, we gathered to explore the profound significance of the Sabbath and its role in our lives. We began by acknowledging the beauty and goodness in God's creation, as described in Genesis 1:31, where God saw everything He made and declared it "very good" or "very beautiful." Despite the negativity and challenges we face in our daily lives, the Sabbath offers us a unique opportunity to focus on the positive, to rest, and to delight in God's creation.
We discussed how the digital age bombards us with bad news, making it difficult to see the beauty around us. However, Jesus reminds us in John 16:33 that while we will face troubles, He has overcome the world, and through Him, we can experience overflowing joy. This joy, or "chara" in Hebrew, is both a feeling and a discipline that we must practice regularly. It is a fruit of the Spirit, a virtue that we develop as we follow Jesus.
The Sabbath is a time to practice this discipline of joy. It is not just a day off but a day to stop, rest, and delight in God's world. We are encouraged to slow down, set boundaries, and savor the goodness of each moment. By doing so, we can better appreciate the beauty and joy in our lives and in God's creation.
We also explored practical ways to delight on the Sabbath, such as preparing a special meal, engaging in activities that bring us joy, and setting aside distractions. The Sabbath is an invitation to fill our lives with beauty and to share that beauty with the world around us. It is a time to connect with God, give thanks, and be present in the moment.
In conclusion, the Sabbath helps us to see the world through God's eyes, full of beauty, joy, and hope. It is a practice that reminds us of the goodness in our lives and helps us to live from a place of gratitude and contentment.
### Key Takeaways
1. The Beauty of Creation: God's creation is inherently beautiful and good, as described in Genesis 1:31. Despite the negativity we encounter daily, the Sabbath allows us to focus on this beauty and goodness, helping us to see the world through God's eyes. [20:13]
2. Joy as a Discipline: Joy, or "chara" in Hebrew, is both a feeling and a discipline. It is a fruit of the Spirit and a virtue that we must practice regularly. By choosing joy, even in difficult times, we align ourselves with God's will and experience His overflowing joy. [23:21]
3. The Sabbath as a Practice of Joy: The Sabbath is not just a day off but a time to stop, rest, and delight in God's world. It helps us to slow down, set boundaries, and savor the goodness of each moment, making joy a regular part of our lives. [25:01]
4. Practical Ways to Delight: Engaging in activities that bring us joy, such as preparing a special meal or setting aside distractions, helps us to fully experience the Sabbath. These practices allow us to fill our lives with beauty and share that beauty with others. [34:08]
5. Connecting with God: The Sabbath is an opportunity to connect deeply with God through prayer, meditation, and reflection. By spending time with God, we grow closer to Him and find the full delight our hearts long for, transforming our lives with His love and joy. [38:30]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[0:45] - Opening Prayer
[13:52] - The Need for Sabbath
[16:17] - Children's Moment
[18:21] - Joy in Simple Pleasures
[20:13] - The Beauty of Creation
[21:24] - Historical Challenges
[23:21] - Joy in the Midst of Trouble
[25:01] - Joy as a Discipline
[26:43] - Delight in the Sabbath
[28:15] - Celebrating Achievements
[29:24] - The Sabbath as a Happy Day
[31:21] - Recognizing Blessings
[32:31] - Delighting in God
[34:08] - Practical Ways to Delight
[35:19] - Setting Boundaries
[36:17] - Gratitude and Joy
[37:08] - Connecting with God
[38:30] - Being Present
[39:47] - Reflecting on the Sabbath
[41:06] - Group Discussions
[01:01:44] - Adding Joy to Sabbath
[01:03:04] - Sabbath Feast
[01:05:04] - Pleasure Stacking
[01:06:43] - Sabbath Box
[01:16:51] - Closing Prayer
[01:18:17] - Taking Delight in God
[01:19:37] - Benediction and Fellowship
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Genesis 1:31 (NIV) - "God saw all that he had made, and it was very good. And there was evening, and there was morning—the sixth day."
2. John 16:33 (NIV) - "I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world."
3. Galatians 5:22-23 (NIV) - "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law."
#### Observation Questions
1. According to Genesis 1:31, how did God view His creation? What does the term "very good" or "very beautiful" imply about God's perspective on the world? [18:21]
2. In John 16:33, what does Jesus say about the troubles we will face in the world? How does He encourage us to respond to these troubles? [21:24]
3. What are the fruits of the Spirit listed in Galatians 5:22-23? How is joy described in the context of these fruits? [25:01]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does recognizing the inherent beauty and goodness in God's creation (Genesis 1:31) help us to see the world through God's eyes, especially during the Sabbath? [18:21]
2. Jesus mentions that we will have trouble in this world but also promises His peace and joy (John 16:33). How can this promise influence our practice of joy as a discipline, especially on the Sabbath? [23:21]
3. The sermon describes joy as both a feeling and a discipline (Galatians 5:22-23). How can we cultivate joy as a regular practice in our lives, particularly during the Sabbath? [25:01]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your past week. How often did you take time to notice and appreciate the beauty in God's creation? What specific steps can you take to be more mindful of this beauty during the Sabbath? [18:21]
2. Jesus said we will face troubles but also promised His joy (John 16:33). How can you remind yourself of this promise when you encounter difficulties? What practical steps can you take to choose joy in challenging situations? [23:21]
3. The sermon suggests preparing a special meal or engaging in joyful activities on the Sabbath. What are some activities that bring you joy, and how can you incorporate them into your Sabbath practice? [34:08]
4. The concept of setting boundaries was discussed as a way to fully experience the Sabbath. What are some distractions you need to set aside to truly rest and delight in God's world? How will you implement these boundaries? [35:19]
5. Connecting with God is a key aspect of the Sabbath. What specific practices (e.g., prayer, meditation, reading scripture) can you incorporate into your Sabbath to deepen your relationship with God? [38:30]
6. The sermon mentioned the importance of gratitude in experiencing joy. What are three things you are grateful for this week? How can you make gratitude a regular part of your Sabbath practice? [37:08]
7. The idea of being present and delighting in the moment was emphasized. What are some simple pleasures you can savor during the Sabbath, and how can you be more present in those moments? [38:30]
This guide is designed to help your small group delve deeper into the significance of the Sabbath and how it can be a time of joy, rest, and connection with God. Use these questions to foster meaningful discussions and personal reflections.
Devotional
### Day 1: The Beauty of Creation
Description: God's creation is inherently beautiful and good, as described in Genesis 1:31. Despite the negativity we encounter daily, the Sabbath allows us to focus on this beauty and goodness, helping us to see the world through God's eyes. The digital age often bombards us with bad news, making it difficult to see the beauty around us. However, the Sabbath offers a unique opportunity to pause and appreciate the world as God intended it. By taking time to rest and reflect, we can better recognize the inherent beauty in our surroundings and in our lives. This practice helps us to align our perspective with God's, seeing the world through His eyes and appreciating the goodness He has placed in it. [20:13]
Bible Passage: "For everything created by God is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving, for it is made holy by the word of God and prayer." (1 Timothy 4:4-5, ESV)
Reflection: Think of one aspect of God's creation that you often overlook. How can you take time today to appreciate its beauty and goodness?
### Day 2: Joy as a Discipline
Description: Joy, or "chara" in Hebrew, is both a feeling and a discipline. It is a fruit of the Spirit and a virtue that we must practice regularly. By choosing joy, even in difficult times, we align ourselves with God's will and experience His overflowing joy. Jesus reminds us in John 16:33 that while we will face troubles, He has overcome the world. This assurance allows us to cultivate joy as a discipline, not just an emotion. Practicing joy involves intentional actions and attitudes that reflect our trust in God's sovereignty and goodness, even amidst challenges. [23:21]
Bible Passage: "Though the fig tree should not blossom, nor fruit be on the vines, the produce of the olive fail and the fields yield no food, the flock be cut off from the fold and there be no herd in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the Lord; I will take joy in the God of my salvation." (Habakkuk 3:17-18, ESV)
Reflection: Identify a challenging situation you are currently facing. How can you choose to practice joy in this situation today?
### Day 3: The Sabbath as a Practice of Joy
Description: The Sabbath is not just a day off but a time to stop, rest, and delight in God's world. It helps us to slow down, set boundaries, and savor the goodness of each moment, making joy a regular part of our lives. The Sabbath invites us to step away from our busy routines and focus on the simple pleasures that bring us joy. By intentionally setting aside time to rest and reflect, we can cultivate a deeper sense of joy and contentment in our daily lives. This practice not only rejuvenates our spirits but also strengthens our relationship with God. [25:01]
Bible Passage: "If you turn back your foot from the Sabbath, from doing your pleasure on my holy day, and call the Sabbath a delight and the holy day of the Lord honorable; if you honor it, not going your own ways, or seeking your own pleasure, or talking idly; then you shall take delight in the Lord, and I will make you ride on the heights of the earth; I will feed you with the heritage of Jacob your father, for the mouth of the Lord has spoken." (Isaiah 58:13-14, ESV)
Reflection: How can you intentionally set aside time this week to rest and delight in God's creation? What specific activities will you engage in to practice joy on the Sabbath?
### Day 4: Practical Ways to Delight
Description: Engaging in activities that bring us joy, such as preparing a special meal or setting aside distractions, helps us to fully experience the Sabbath. These practices allow us to fill our lives with beauty and share that beauty with others. The Sabbath is an invitation to delight in God's world and to share that delight with those around us. By engaging in activities that bring us joy, we can create a sense of celebration and gratitude that permeates our lives. This practice not only enriches our own experience but also spreads joy to others. [34:08]
Bible Passage: "And you shall rejoice in all the good that the Lord your God has given to you and to your house, you, and the Levite, and the sojourner who is among you." (Deuteronomy 26:11, ESV)
Reflection: What is one activity that brings you joy and helps you connect with God? How can you incorporate this activity into your Sabbath practice this week?
### Day 5: Connecting with God
Description: The Sabbath is an opportunity to connect deeply with God through prayer, meditation, and reflection. By spending time with God, we grow closer to Him and find the full delight our hearts long for, transforming our lives with His love and joy. The Sabbath provides a dedicated time to deepen our relationship with God, free from the distractions of daily life. Through intentional practices such as prayer, meditation, and reflection, we can experience a profound sense of connection with our Creator. This connection not only brings us joy but also transforms our lives, filling us with God's love and peace. [38:30]
Bible Passage: "Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!" (Psalm 46:10, ESV)
Reflection: How can you create a quiet space in your life to connect with God today? What specific practices will you engage in to deepen your relationship with Him?
Quotes
1. "Unfortunately our world is often filled with bad news and negativity but it's also full of goodness and beauty even if we sometimes forget to notice it and we're going to look at some of that in a moment with our kids." [13:52] (18 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Jesus wants us to experience this kind of joy. A joy so great that it overflows who we are, making us want to laugh, to shout, to sing, and even to dance. This overwhelming joy is what Jesus wants for all of us. Our challenge is that while sadness often finds its way into our lives easily, joy doesn't. Sadness is something we can't always control, but joy is a choice that we have to make. We need to choose joy again and again, even when life is tough." [23:21] (46 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Joy is more than just a feeling, though. It's also part of who we are. In other words, it's a characteristic. It's a character trait. It's something we develop as we follow Jesus. In the list of the fruits of the Spirit in Galatians 5, joy is listed as the second fruit of the Spirit right after love. Love, joy, peace, and so on." [25:01] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "The Sabbath should be a happy day. A whole 24 hours set aside to follow God's example, to stop, rest, and to delight in God's world. It's a time to focus on everything that is very good in the world. It's an opportunity to see the world through a lens of the world. A lens of goodness, of beauty, and of truth, and to take joy in our life as part of God's creation." [29:24] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "The Sabbath is a beautiful invitation from God to experience joy, to delight in him and to taste the goodness of his creation. It's an invitation to fill our souls with the beauty of the world around us and to live from a place of gratitude and contentment. In a world full of bad news and negativity. The Sabbath is a practice that helps us to remember that, like God said, everything he made is very good. It's very beautiful. And as we embrace the Sabbath, we begin to see the world through his eyes, full of beauty, joy, and hope." [38:30] (48 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6. "Gratitude is an essential part of joy. The more we practice gratitude, the more joy becomes a regular part of our lives. Start by being aware of something you can be thankful for. You know, there are some who the first thing they do when they get up in the morning is thank you Lord that you've woken me up on another day. Be thankful for your health, your family, your work, beautiful sunrise or sunset, a good meal. Giving thanks helps us to see all the beautiful in the world around us." [37:08] (41 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7. "The Sabbath is an opportunity, a time to fight against the tendency to think about the negative, and remember all the blessings in our lives. The Sabbath commands us. Help us recognize just how much we have to be thankful for. And the Sabbath is a time to delight in God himself. To take joy in the fact that we have access to him through the life, the death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, and through the Holy Spirit in our lives. To be joyful that through spiritual practices like the Sabbath, we get to participate in the love, the joy, and the peace that flow." [31:21] (46 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
8. "So what does joy have to do with the Sabbath? Simply this. The Sabbath is one of the most important ways we can practice the discipline of joy, because it helps us to become people of joy throughout the rest of our weeks. Last week, we talked about stopping and resting as part of our Sabbath practice. And these are essential because they help us to slow down enough to make room for Sabbath in our lives, in our busy lives. They help us focus on what we don't usually do, like taking a break from our usual work and activities. This week, let's focus on one of the things we should do on the Sabbath. Delight." [26:43] (53 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
9. "When we delight in something, we take great pleasure in it. Again, if we look back at Genesis 1. 2, we see that after God finishing the world, he looked at everything he had made and saw that it was very good, or very beautiful, and then he rested. In Hebrew, we learned last week that the word for rested is shabbath, which in addition to meaning stopping and rest can also mean delight. And so we can say that God stopped and he delighted in his work." [26:43] (35 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
10. "The good news is that the more time that we spend in prayer and practicing the Sabbath, the more we will see how incredibly good God is. As we grow closer to God, we will find the full delight our hearts long for. I like how a guy called Dan Allender says in his book, Sabbath, the Ancient Practices, the Sabbath is an invitation to enter delight. The Sabbath, when experienced as God intended it, is the best day of our lives. Without question or thought, it is the best day of the week. It becomes the day we anticipate and look forward to in the days before, and the one that we remember on the days afterwards." [32:31] (55 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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